X doesn't want its users to click on referral links and head out from its site, so it has already de-emphasized the reach of posts that include links, altered the display in stream for link previews, and released native long-form posting alternatives instead.

And now, it's trying another method to discourage links, but this one has a more targeted value for creators.
X is testing a new feature where the users can disable the ability to add links to post replies in the app.

That way, the conversation is focused more on X and not using the reply chain as a means to send offsite.

That has its pros and cons.

A pro is that it would let you block spammers from attempting to get cheap clicks within your reply thread, which can be particularly problematic for more popular posts and users. You are always going to find random links to crypto scams within the replies to the biggest users' updates, and on that front, this would be a good way to stop junk peddlers from polluting your comments.

However, this could be a con for that very reason: it could stop counter debate by no longer being able to post links to sources that refute the original claim. Of course, X would respond by saying that Community Notes should be able to do its job anyway, but it could limit reference link sharing for that reason.

Overall, though, it seems like it would be a helpful tweak. Users would have the choice as to whether or not to turn it on, on a per-post level, and I suspect most people wouldn't bother either way. But for bigger users who want to filter out the spam, perhaps it could give them a helpful option, which in turn might help raise engagement accordingly.

It's hard to say, but it would be till actually implemented, but it could be another method of managing discussion on X, keeping your audience on the same trajectory as the conversation is evolving.